Methods | PJSC Uralkali

We enrich potash ore using two methods: flotation and chemical (known as halurgic).

The halurgic method has been used since the potash industry started in the second half of the 19th century. It produces chemically pure MOP which contains 98% of the commercial component. This is used in agriculture and the chemical industry.

The flotation method has been used since the 1960s to produce potash fertilisers for agriculture, the products containing up to 95% of the useful component.

Halurgic method

We use this to create White Standard MOP and White Fine MOP. The method is based on the varying joint solubility of potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl) in water at different temperatures. KCl crystallizes out of saturated solution when it cools. It creates potash fertilisers containing 95% and 98% of MOP.

Flotation method

We use this to create Pink Standard MOP. The method is based on the varying floatability of sylvite and halite minerals in the saturated aqueous solution of potassium chloride and sodium chloride in the presence of agents. Partly purified potash ore is placed in the flotation machine, bubbles stick to potassium chloride particles and push them to the mixture surface for subsequent separation. The humidity of Pink Standard MOP after drying is only 0.1%.

Granulation

The process of making Pink Granular MOP is identical to that for Pink Standard MOP, up to the end of the final drying phase. Following this phase, dried Pink Standard MOP is compressed into flakes, and granules of the correct size are selected. These granules are treated to remove sharp edges and cracks and are hardened in furnaces to increase their strength. Granules are prepared for long transportation in the oil treatment blender.